📰 What’s New at Chennai Airport Parking
- The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has introduced a 15-minute free pick-up/drop-off window for vehicles ferrying special-needs passengers — specifically: disabled persons, senior citizens, patients, and pregnant women.
- Under this policy, vehicles that enter and exit within 15 minutes (with such passengers) will not be charged a parking fee.
- If the 15-minute window is exceeded, the standard parking charge comes into effect: ₹85 for the first 30 minutes.
- To identify eligible vehicles, a special pass will be issued at the airport’s entry toll gate when drivers inform staff that they’re carrying a “priority” passenger.
- This special pass (with the entry slip) must be surrendered when exiting through the toll gate.
- The policy has been put into effect at both domestic and international terminals, and applies to both private vehicles and taxis.
- Additional support is being arranged: the airport plans to deploy staff to assist differently-abled passengers, and there will be accessible buggies.
✅ Why This Change Matters
- More real-world time: Previously, the free window was only 10 minutes — many said that was too tight for helping passengers with mobility issues.
- Inclusive move: Recognises that certain passengers (elderly, disabled, pregnant) may need more time for drop-off and pick-up.
- Reduces stress: Gives drivers and passengers more breathing room — less anxiety about rushing or incurring parking fees.
